Y33 1997+ Q45 transmission cooler install (with pics)

[bullittandy]

I just installed a transmission cooler in my 97 Q45 and thought I'd include some info and pics for future generations.

I used a transmission cooler from a 90's Ford Explorer. Why? Cheap, easily available and not a tube a fin design. What I did not realize was how perfectly it would fit on the Q!!!

It required a small bracket to be made on the driver's side I used flat aluminum bar and also required the stock plastic shield covering the horns and etc. to be trimmed. However, it fits great and has an excellent placement for airflow.

FYI, the outlet transmission cooler line is on the driver's side of the radiator, and that's where the cooler is connected.

Only downside (see pics) is that one line runs under the framerail that supports the radiator and is thus exposed to potential flying debris and curbs. However, this framerail does not hit anything regularly, if at all (no scrapes on my 232K car). I did surround the line with a pice of metal gas line until I figure a better solution.

Pics soon.
Modified by bullittandy at 3:42 AM 8/27/2007

[paranoidjack]

I just installed a transmission cooler in my 97 Q45 and thought I'd include some info and pics for future generations.

I used a transmission cooler from a 90's Ford Explorer. Why? Cheap, easily available and not a tube a fin design. What I did not realize was how perfectly it would fit on the Q!!!

It required a small bracket to be made on the driver's side I used flat aluminum bar and also required the stock plastic shield covering the horns and etc. to be trimmed. However, it fits great and has an excellent placement for airflow.

FYI, the outlet transmission cooler line is on the driver's side of the radiator, and that's where the cooler is connected.

Only downside (see pics) is that one line runs under the framerail that supports the radiator and is thus exposed to potential flying debris and curbs. However, this framerail does not hit anything regularly, if at all (no scrapes on my 232K car). I did surround the line with a pice of metal gas line until I figure a better solution.

Pics soon.

Modified by bullittandy at 3:42 AM 8/27/2007

Let's see those pics Andy!!!

[bullittandy]

Coming, I asked Wes for help but he's a busy college student. I also heard that he might be in jail...

[elwesso]

dude im ultra sorry... I didnt put 2 and 2 together, plus I didnt see this post...

Anyway, pics are in the next post (uploading as we speak).

BTW just because im in college doesnt mean I do illegal stuff.......

Of course, its only illegal if you get caught...

[elwesso]

Click to enlarge.

[Skibane]

Damn! Nice fit!

I cut a hole in the plastic air dam (at the spot shown by the red circle in the photo), routed the ATF cooler hose through it, and then ran it down a hollow frame member (located behind the dam) that passes through the radiator support to the engine compartment. The hose is well-protected, and putting it there didn't require any drilling (other than in the plastic air dam).

[bullittandy]

Damn! Nice fit!

I cut a hole in the plastic air dam (at the spot shown by the red circle in the photo), routed the ATF cooler hose through it, and then ran it down a hollow frame member (located behind the dam) that passes through the radiator support to the engine compartment. The hose is well-protected, and putting it there didn't require any drilling (other than in the plastic air dam).

I also ran one hose in that direction, you can just barely see it above the red circle. I didn't run the other one that direction because it would have tripled the distance it traveled, plus it would not have fit through the same hole as the other hose. Also, the exposed hose (see pic) travels in a straight path towards the metal transmission cooler line. I think I will drill a hole above where the exposed hose is mounted.

It fits perfectly, everyone should do it!!

Modified by bullittandy at 6:24 AM 8/29/2007
Modified by bullittandy at 6:41 AM 8/29/2007

[superuber]

Andy, you missed your calling. Very nice!Makes mine look really sad!

[bullittandy]

Thanks! There are few things as satisfying as a project such as this.

As a side note, I just picked up a B&M stacked plate cooler for my wife's Volvo and its the EXACT same cooler as the junkyard Explorer, different mounting style but it appears that B&M made the coolers for Ford. Easy choice $10 versus $50.

[AlabamaDan]

Outstanding Mod! I've got a buddy whose got a Y33 and I bet we add that to his list of first modifications. Could you post some more details on how you did the transmission lines, etc.?

I wonder how it would fit in a G50...could you post the dimensions of the cooler?

[bullittandy]

The cooler is 8 1/2" X 11" X 3/4"

This cooler is also an easy grab at the junkyard as well because its easily accessible on Explorers, three bolts and two lines.

The outlet line from the factory radiator cooler to the transmission, is on the driver's side of the radiator. I disconnected the rubber line here and ran a new hose from the outlet on the radiator to the new transmission cooler and then from the new transmission cooler straight down and back into the factory hardline near the middle of the engine.

I've asked Wes to include a new picture where I drilled a hole in the frame rail for the new outlet line to pass through as opposed to being exposed as in the picture posted above-look for it soon.

[AlabamaDan]

8 1/2 x 11. That's the size of a sheet of paper. I'm a little surprised at how small it is.

That doesn't cause any restrictions to radiator or ac flow does it?

Looks really good.

[elwesso]

picture added to my post above.

[burgy240]

what length of hose did you need to buy and what other parts as I want to do this ASAP? Great work and nice install/write up.

[bullittandy]

I can't remember the length of hose but I would guess that 6 feet would be plenty. transmission cooler line isn't as cheap as vacuum line but the difference between the exact length needed and way too much is $5.

Other than the hose, the cooler and hose clamps the only other part is the flat bar/bracket that I made to mount on the cooler's driver's side. You can see it in the pics, its the piece that looks like a kid's wavy slide. I used aluminum because its easier to bend. The cooler mounts on the passenger side using the the hood latch, also seen in above pic.

Good luck and glad I could help.

[maxnix]

I cut a hole in the plastic air dam (at the spot shown by the red circle in the photo), routed the ATF cooler hose through it, and then ran it down a hollow frame member (located behind the dam) that passes through the radiator support to the engine compartment. The hose is well-protected, and putting it there didn't require any drilling (other than in the plastic air dam).

Yeah, that line under the frame rail would concern me.

The fender liners on the FGY33 are vented on both sides, so mounting the cooler there obviates the need to run hoses under the frame. Living in TX, I am not a fan of additional thermal loading in the condenser nor the radiator.

B&G stacked plate coolers are so efficient and reasonable, don't know if I would bother with a used one without flushing it first. Just too much time and trouble for me. Would have to know it's tow rating or BTU dissapation. Anything is better than the stock heat exchanger, though.

Nice installation.

[bullittandy]

Yeah, that line under the frame rail would concern me.

Look at the first batch of pictures and you'll see in the last picture that I drilled a hole through the frame because I didn't like the line exposed either.

B&G stacked plate coolers are so efficient and reasonable, don't know if I would bother with a used one without flushing it first. Would have to know it's tow rating or BTU dissapation. Anything is better than the stock heat exchanger, though.

I did flush it before it was installed. I think that the design and size of the cooler are the only variables that influence cooling (other than placement and airflow) so I'm confident that this cooler works as well as the B&G. In fact, I seem to remeber that the part numbers on the Explorer cooler and the B&G cooler that I bought were almost identical.

Just too much time and trouble for me.

Its called hotrodding and thats the fun part-for me.

[AlabamaDan]

I've got my Explorer transmission cooler in the basement, just waiting to install. I'm thinking of putting on on my Q45, QX4 and Jeep Cherokee.

[bullittandy]

I picked up an extra cooler and thought I'd throw out a line if anybody was interested in a complete kit for a 97+ Q45.

Let me know.

ThanksAndy

[bullittandy]

I now have two kits ready for shipping. Complete, ready to install for Y33's. I'm still working out a price but it will be a good deal for those interested.

[burgy240]

^ You still have the kits and how much are you charging? DO you have the bent bracket with the kit to? Thanks

[bullittandy]

$75 shipped with everything included.

e-mail is [email protected]

thanksAndy